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Nigeria's Cost-of-Living Crisis: Stampedes at Charity Events Highlight Growing Desperation

In a tragic turn of events this December, stampedes at charity events across Nigeria have claimed the lives of dozens, highlighting the growing desperation caused by the country’s severe cost-of-living crisis. These deadly incidents, which took place in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra, have drawn national attention to the urgent need for better crowd management and safety protocols at public gatherings, especially during times of economic hardship.

Ibadan Tragedy: A Fatal Christmas Funfair
The first tragedy occurred on December 18, 2024, at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan. Over 5,000 children gathered at Islamic High School, drawn by the promise of free food, gifts, and financial assistance. However, the overwhelming turnout led to a deadly stampede as the event began. At least 35 children lost their lives, with six others sustaining injuries. The chaos unfolded when the event organizers arrived to commence the proceedings, and the crowd surged uncontrollably.

Security forces were called to restore order, but the damage was already done. Emergency services rushed the injured to local hospitals, where a few survivors were treated. The incident led to the arrest of eight individuals, including the event’s primary organizer, Naomi Silekunola, as authorities initiated a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.


Abuja: Stampede Claims Ten Lives at Charity Event
Just days later, on December 21, 2024, a similar tragedy occurred in Abuja at a Christmas charity event organized by the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. A large crowd had gathered to receive free food, but the lack of adequate crowd control measures led to a stampede. Ten people, including four children, lost their lives, and several others were injured. The incident has sparked a call for more stringent regulations for public events to ensure the safety of attendees.

In response, President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized the need for organizers to adhere to proper safety measures. Local authorities have promised to take decisive action to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Anambra: Rice Distribution Tragedy
Meanwhile, in Anambra State, a rice distribution event organized by the Obijackson Foundation in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area, turned deadly on December 21, 2024. The crowd, eager for free food, surged forward, causing a stampede that resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people, including women, children, and the elderly. More than 30 others were injured and taken to hospitals for treatment.

The tragedy has reignited concerns about the safety of large-scale charity events. Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has vowed to investigate the cause of the stampede and called for better planning and crowd management at future events.

A Growing Pattern of Desperation
These tragic events are a stark reminder of the growing desperation in Nigeria, where many citizens are struggling with the high cost of living. With the country’s inflation rate soaring and unemployment levels reaching alarming heights, many Nigerians have turned to charity events as a source of relief. However, the sheer number of people attending these events, combined with inadequate planning and safety measures, has led to deadly consequences.

In light of these tragedies, experts are calling for more rigorous crowd management protocols, including proper crowd control measures, clear communication from organizers, and sufficient medical support on-site. As the holiday season continues, it is essential that organizers prioritize safety to prevent further loss of life.


by: Omenihu Victoria

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